propose

[ pruh-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action:

   to propose a new method.

   Synonyms: counsel, suggest, tender, offer, proffer

   Antonyms: withdraw

2. to offer (a toast).
3. to suggest:

   He proposed that a messenger be sent.

4. to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.

   Synonyms: nominate, name

5. to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.

   Synonyms: plan, aim

6. to present to the mind or attention; state.

   Synonyms: posit, pose

7. to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).

verb (used without object)

, pro·posed, pro·pos·ing.

1. to make an offer or suggestion, especially of marriage.
2. to form or consider a purpose or design.

propose

/ prəˈpəʊz /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to put forward (a plan, motion, etc) for consideration or action
2. tr to nominate, as for a position
3. tr to plan or intend (to do something)

   I propose to leave town now

4. tr to announce the drinking of (a toast) to (the health of someone, etc)
5. introften foll byto to make an offer of marriage (to someone)

Derived Forms

• proˈposable, adjective
• proˈposer, noun

Other Words From

• pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• pro·pos·er noun
• mis·pro·pose verb misproposed misproposing
• re·pro·pose verb reproposed reproposing
• un·pro·pos·a·ble adjective
• un·pro·pos·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French proposer ( pro- ¹, pose ¹ ), by association with derivatives of Latin prōpositus, past participle of prōpōnere “to set forth;” See propositus

Word History and Origins

Origin of propose¹

C14: from Old French proposer, from Latin prōpōnere to display, from pro- ¹+ pōnere to place

Synonym Study

See intend.

Example Sentences

He would need states to agree to a national convention or a two-thirds vote in favour in the narrowly split Congress to propose a change, then subsequent approval by three-fourths of state legislatures - of which Republicans control just over half.

From BBC

But the council punted that decision to the Charter Reform Commission, which will propose additional charter changes for the 2026 ballot.

From Los Angeles Times

According to prosecutors, Mr Shakeri told law enforcement that he did not intend to propose a scheme to kill Trump within that seven-day timeframe, so the Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials put the plan on pause.

From BBC

Even as Trump supporters cite racist theories to justify persecuting people and ignoring the extreme weather caused by climate change, Gaya argued that “climate advocates must also work with migrant justice leaders and climate-displaced people to propose a positive alternative to border militarization that promotes both people's resilience to stay in their homes and orderly, safe pathways to refuge for those who cannot.”

From Salon

This creates harmful information silos and knowledge hierarchies on a macro level, too; it’s nearly impossible for local communities to share their needs or propose solutions via scientific journals and conferences, the traditional avenues for global health communications.

From Salon

Related Words

• ask
• come up with
• introduce
• nominate
• offer
• recommend
• request
• submit
• urge